Brake pads require replacement when the linings are worn out (the minimum permissible thickness of friction linings is 1.5 mm), the linings are not firmly connected to the base, the working surfaces are oily, or there are deep grooves or chips.
WARNING: Replace the front brake pads only as a set of 4 (two on each side).
Before replacing the brake pads, check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir. If the level is close to the "MAX" mark, it is necessary to pump out some of the fluid (for example, with a medical syringe or a rubber bulb), because after replacing the worn pads with new ones, the level will rise.
You will need: 13 and 15 mm wrenches, pliers for removing retaining rings, fine-nosed pliers, and a lug nut wrench.
1. Remove the rear wheel from the side where the pads are being replaced.
2. Loosen the tension of the rear parking brake cables (see Adjusting the Parking Brake Drive).
3. Using fine-nose pliers, grasp the rear parking brake cable end…
4….and remove it from the slot of the release lever.
5. Remove the two bolts securing the caliper guide pins.
NOTE: Use the second wrench to hold the pins from turning by the Allen key on them.
6. Disconnect the wiring harness connector from the brake pad wear sensor (if the vehicle is equipped with such sensors).
7. Remove the caliper from the pad guide and secure it to the side, for example by tying it to the suspension arm with wire. Make sure that the brake hose is not stretched or twisted.
8. Remove the outer and inner brake pads.
NOTE: Pay attention to the markings on the brake pads. Purchase new pads with the same markings.
USEFUL TIP: Every time you replace the brake pads, be sure to check the condition of the protective rubber boots on the guide pins and the movement of the pins in the holes in the brake pad guide.
If the caliper guide pins are difficult to move, remove them and lubricate them with grease.
Apply grease to the pin boots. Replace the boots if they are hardened, deformed or torn.
9. Using snap ring pliers or other suitable tool, screw the piston into the caliper cylinder.
10. Install the rear brake pads in the reverse order of removal. To prevent the caliper guide pin mounting bolts from loosening, lubricate their threads with anaerobic thread locker before installation.
Press the brake pedal several times to bring the brake pads to the disc.
11. Attach the rear parking brake cable to the release lever.
12. Install the wheel.
13. Similarly, replace the brake pads of the brake mechanism of the second rear wheel.
14. Check and, if necessary, restore the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir.
15. Adjust the parking brake drive (see Adjusting the Parking Brake Drive).
USEFUL TIP: After replacing worn brake pads with new ones, do not rush to drive on busy highways. It is possible that during the first intensive braking you will be unpleasantly surprised by the low efficiency of the brakes, although the pads were original. Brake discs also wear out, and new pads touch them only with their edges, practically without braking. Choose a quiet street or a passage without cars and brake smoothly several times so that the pads rub in and begin to fit over the entire surface. At the same time, evaluate the efficiency of the brakes.
USEFUL TIP: Try not to brake sharply for at least the first 100 km. If the brake pads are too hot, the top layer of their linings will burn and the brakes will not be as effective as possible for a long time.